Our campaign against the extortionate cost of visas

Migrant Voice is campaigning for a fairer immigration system, together with migrants directly affected by extortionate visa costs and long settlement routes.

With a strong steering group, and campaign members, including individuals on both 5 and 10-year routes, the campaign raises the wider issues of both cost and length of settlement routes, along with the impact on many aspects of migrants’ lives.

The overall cost of the visa process is extortionate. Recent increases to fees from October 2023, and a 66% increase to the Immigration Health Surcharge from February 2024 mean an individual now pays £3,635 every 2.5 years.

The fees charged for visa renewals are often 7-10 times the cost of processing them. The costs to migrants aren't just financial - many suffer mental and physical health problems, with some sacrificing food, and utilities to save for visas.

We are calling for a better immigration system. Read our asks.